Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, it has shown impressive results for sustainable weight loss in several key clinical trials.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. It sends signals of fullness to the brain so you feel satisfied with smaller portions of food. Over time, this leads to eating less calories and losing excess weight.
Benefits of using semaglutide for weight loss include:
Unlike some medications, semaglutide promotes steady, healthy weight loss over 6-15 months rather than rapid loss. This makes it more likely to have long-lasting results.
Before starting any weight loss program, it’s important to rule out potential hormone imbalances that could be causing or contributing to weight gain.
Some key hormones that influence metabolism and appetite include:
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is one of the most common hormone issues. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and feeling cold. A simple TSH blood test can diagnose it.
Insulin resistance prevents cells from responding properly to insulin. This causes high blood sugar and signals the body to store more fat. An oral glucose tolerance test and HbA1c blood test can check for prediabetes or diabetes.
Elevated cortisol due to chronic stress tells the body to accumulate fat around the stomach. Testing morning cortisol levels from saliva or blood can identify abnormal patterns.
Declining estrogen and testosterone levels during perimenopause and andropause can shift fat storage. Getting sex hormone panel testing provides insight.
Elite Hormone Therapy provides advanced hormone blood tests and analysis to uncover potential issues for each patient before creating a customized weight loss plan. Understanding your hormone balance is key for long-term success.
Once hormone imbalances have been addressed, adding semaglutide can boost weight loss through several mechanisms:
Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain that control appetite and food intake. This leads to earlier and prolonged feelings of fullness so you feel satisfied with smaller portions.
Several clinical trials found people reduce calorie intake by 200-500 calories per day without trying simply because they feel less hungry. Eating fewer calories is the foundation for weight loss.
Semaglutide also slows digestion by decreasing the rate at which food leaves your stomach. Food remains in your stomach longer so you stay fuller longer after eating.
This helps control portion sizes at meals and reduces cravings in between meals.
Many people struggling with obesity also have elevated blood sugar levels indicating insulin resistance or prediabetes.
By improving the body’s use of insulin, semaglutide helps normalize blood sugar fluctuations. This provides increased energy, fewer cravings, and better diabetes control.
Stabilized blood sugar also signals the body to stop storing additional fat. Existing fat becomes the preferred source of energy for weight loss.
Semaglutide is taken once weekly by injection just under skin using a very small needle. The medication comes conveniently packaged in pre-filled pens.
The dosing schedule when starting semaglutide is as follows:
Patients stay on the 1.0 mg maintenance dose long-term. If needed for additional weight loss, the dose can later be increased to 2.4 mg under medical supervision.
When stopping semaglutide after achieving weight loss goals, the dose is gradually decreased over several weeks rather than abruptly discontinuing.
Semaglutide was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but researchers unexpectedly found it also causes significant weight loss. Further studies showed that non-diabetic obese people taking semaglutide lost on average 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks compared to placebo, leading to its recent approval specifically for chronic weight management.
In the SUSTAIN clinical trials, semaglutide has demonstrated impressive weight loss capability along with good tolerability.
Key findings include:
Perhaps most importantly, the majority of weight lost has been maintained over 2 years after stopping semaglutide in studies so far. This highlights the potential for long-term, sustainable results.
Semaglutide is appropriate for adults struggling with overweight or obesity:
It can produce significant weight loss in those not responding adequately to lifestyle changes alone. People with prediabetes or diabetes also benefit from better blood sugar control.
Semaglutide is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Those with certain medical conditions like diabetic retinopathy may require extra monitoring.
Thyroid and other hormone imbalances should be treated first since they can prevent weight loss even with semaglutide. Nutritional deficiencies should also be addressed.
Elite Hormone Therapy provides complete medical oversight to determine if you are a candidate for semaglutide prior to starting injections.
Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated but some temporary GI side effects can occur as the body adjusts, especially during the first 16 weeks. These include:
These resolve on their own for most people and can be minimized by starting with a lower dose then gradually increasing. Antacids and anti-nausea medication also help manage symptoms.
Rarely, an serious allergic reaction or problems with diabetic retinopathy can occur. Elite Hormone Therapy monitors all patients closely and tailors dosing individually. We provide 24/7 on-call clinical support.
The full treatment protocol when using semaglutide for weight management includes:
We also offer an intensive Medical Weight Loss Program incorporating additional prescription medications, metabolic testing, body composition analysis plus access to an on-site dietician and fitness trainer for enhanced results.
Choosing Elite Hormone Therapy in Boynton Beach for your semaglutide weight loss treatment provides many advantages:
Convenient Location - Our beautiful clinic is centrally located making appointments easy and stress-free. We offer evening and weekend availability to accommodate busy schedules.
Individualized Care – Each patient receives fully customized treatment plans tailored to their unique health status, preferences and weight loss goals for optimal outcomes.
Leading Expertise – Our highly experienced medical team stays current on the latest research and breakthroughs. We incorporate innovative technologies like advanced hormone testing, genetic analysis and precision nutrition guidance.
Holistic Approach – We address the root causes of weight gain like hormone imbalance, inflammation and microbiome disruption rather than just symptoms. This leads to better, longer-lasting success.
State-of-the-Art Treatments – In addition to semaglutide, we offer a full range of cutting-edge non-surgical weight loss options unavailable elsewhere like WegovyTM, MounjaroTM, tirzepatide and more.
Ongoing Support – Patients receive dedicated 1:1 medical and health coaching guidance each step of the way from diagnosis through maintenance. We become true partners in your weight loss and wellness journey.
Why Act Now?
With obesity affecting over 40% of US adults, the demand for safe, effective medical treatments is soaring. However, semaglutide and other new classes of anti-obesity medications remain difficult to access.
Having a knowledgeable physician able to prescribe these treatments paired with concierge-level support improves the likelihood of obtaining insurance approval. Out-of-pocket costs also become more affordable through the programs we offer.
Equally important is beginning treatment at the optimal time of year before holiday temptations arise. Late summer through early winter tends to be best for maximizing weight loss and establishing healthy habits in the Boynton Beach climate.
We currently have availability in our schedule to take on new patients immediately. Reach out now for a risk-free consultation to see if one of these exciting new treatments is right for you.
Next Steps
If you struggle with excess weight or obesity related health issues, contact Elite Hormone Therapy today to learn more about adding semaglutide or alternative medical weight loss treatments to help you finally reach your goals once and for all.
Our comprehensive non-surgical program incorporates the latest advances available to trim fat fast while optimizing wellness for the long run.
We look forward to partnering together on your weight loss journey!
